As a DONA (Doula's of North America) certified labor and delivery doula, I support the entire birth process.
My services include providing emotional support, physical comfort measures and information throughout your delivery. I also can assist you in a variety of ways prior to the birth of your baby.
As a massage therapist with a specialty in pregnancy massage, I often work with my clients to minimize or alleviate the discomforts often associated with pregnancy.
I have assisted many of my expectant families in creating their birth plans, preparing their home for the newest family member and helping them to communicate more effectively with their medical team.
I am based in Agoura Hills, and offer my services throughout the Conejo Valley, the San Fernando Valley and outlying areas.
To me, doula work is a remarkable honor and a delight. Experiencing the birth of a child, and assisting in easing the path for baby, mother and father, is truly a rewarding and fulfilling event.
I have had the honor of attending births at a great number of hospitals, spanning from Verdugo Hills Hospital to Los Robles Hospital and from Northridge Hospital to Cedars-Sinai with a great many hospitals in between.
Each birth is a unique experience, just as each child and family is unique. Because of this I tailor my services to the needs of the family I am working with.
Some families require more prenatal support, while others focus more exclusively on the labor and delivery itself.
Being flexible is an important part of my job, but even more important, I frequently have been told, are my hands. My massage background helps me to offer additional comfort measures during the labor process.
I am trained in a variety of natural birth methods, including Lamaze, Bradley, Birthing from Within and Hypno-Birthing and often find a combination of techniques can be quite useful during a birth experience.
I have had many clients who have SUCCESSFULLY attempted VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) deliveries.
One concern I frequently hear addressed relates to the acceptance of medical staff to having a private doula. I have never had a doctor or hospital decline a request for me to be present and I have "won over" those few medical professionals who began the experience with erroneous, preconceived notions about doulas
I support the families choices at all times, and have learned to do this in a manner that remains pleasant and respectful to the medical staff, ensuring the most positive experience possible for the laboring family.
I also offer qualified backup doula's in the unlikely event of a timing conflict, such as two client's delivering at the same time.
I do not charge by the hour as a doula, but rather set a rate dependent on location and specific services to be provided, such as a number of prenatal massages that may be requested.
For more information and availability, please contact me.
email: [email protected]
pager: (818) 589-3975
cell: (805) 304-3579